NY Mets need to act fast with bullpen market facing rising prices

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Mets find themselves at a critical juncture. While aspirations for a deep postseason run remain, a glaring weakness in their bullpen threatens to derail those ambitions. Recent reports highlight the urgency of the situation. Several relievers who could significantly bolster the Mets' pitching staff are seeing their trade value increase with each dominant performance, meaning the cost of acquiring them will only climb.

The Mets' bullpen, once a strength, has become a major concern. Over the last thirty days, their collective ERA has ballooned to nearly 6.00, a stark contrast to their earlier success. The struggles are particularly pronounced in high-leverage situations. While Edwin Diaz remains a reliable closer, the bridge to him has become increasingly shaky. Former stalwarts like Huascar Brazoban and Reed Garrett, who provided valuable innings in the first half, have faltered, leaving the Mets vulnerable in crucial late-game moments. To solidify their playoff chances, the Mets must seriously consider making a move for a premier reliever sooner rather than later.

Mets should move quickly for David Bednar

Among the potential bullpen targets, Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar stands out as an ideal fit for the Mets, particularly when considering the escalating costs associated with other high-end options. Names like Jhoan Duran often come with a hefty price tag, potentially requiring the Mets to part with significant young talent. Similarly, acquiring a reliever like Felix Bautista from the Baltimore Orioles would likely necessitate giving up a substantial package, perhaps even a top draft pick or players with considerable years of team control remaining.

While trading for relievers inherently carries risk due to the position's volatility, the Mets' current situation demands a proactive approach. A team with World Series aspirations cannot afford to have such a glaring weakness in their bullpen. Despite a couple of seasons that didn't meet his high standards, Bednar has returned to an almost elite level of performance in 2025. His ERA sits comfortably below 3.00, fueled by a significant increase in his swing-and-miss ability. His splitter and curveball have become particularly devastating, propelling him into the top 5% of the league in strikeout rate.

Beyond just strikeouts, Bednar has also demonstrated improved control and command this season, evidenced by the best strikeout-to-walk ratio of his career. Interestingly, despite allowing more barreled balls than in previous seasons, opponents haven't been able to capitalize, thanks to a near-elite ground ball rate of over 46%. This ability to limit damage even when hitters make solid contact makes him an incredibly valuable asset in high-leverage situations.

To secure Bednar before his price becomes exorbitant, the Mets need to act swiftly. His current contract is incredibly team-friendly at just $5.9 million for this season. While any acquiring team would need to cover a prorated portion of that salary, the real value lies in his remaining arbitration year.

In conclusion, the New York Mets are facing a critical need to upgrade their bullpen. With the trade deadline looming and the price for top relievers steadily increasing, the time for hesitation is over. Targeting David Bednar, a proven closer who is regaining his elite form, represents a strategic move that could significantly bolster their chances of making a deep playoff run.